GM Announces Stop-Sale and Recall for Defective 6.2L V8 Engines in 2021-2024 Trucks and SUVs

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      In a dealer announcement, General Motors has issued a stop-sale directive and has initiated a full recall of all full-size pickups and SUVs equipped with the problematic L87 6.2-liter V8 produced from 2021 to 2024. This action follows numerous owner reports of total engine failures over the past year, resulting in a service crisis at dealerships and leading to an NHTSA investigation launched in January.

      According to one of two related bulletins posted on the gmc-trucks.com forums, GM provided guidance for dealers with 6.2-liter models in stock:

      "General Motors has determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety may be present in certain 2021-2024 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPO L87). The engine components, specifically the connecting rod and/or crankshaft, may have manufacturing defects that could result in engine damage or failure. If the engine fails while the vehicle is in operation, it will lose propulsion, increasing the likelihood of a crash."

      Vehicles that pass inspection will be refilled with a higher weight oil (0W-40 instead of the standard 0W-20), fitted with a new oil fill cap, provided with an "owner’s manual insert," and may then be returned to inventory.

      When contacted for a comment, a GM representative stated: "GM will voluntarily recall certain 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models equipped with 6.2L L87 engines to address manufacturing issues affecting some engines. The safety and satisfaction of our customers are top priorities for the entire GM team, and we’re working to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible."

      Earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a “Preliminary Evaluation” focusing on 2019-2024 GM trucks and SUVs with the L87 engine, citing nearly 350 complaints from consumers filed with the agency.

      As you may have deduced, 2025 models appear to be unaffected by this issue. A source indicates that the 6.2-liter V8s in 2025-model-year trucks and SUVs are manufactured with updated tooling that resolves the underlying problem.

      This is reassuring news for those in the market for a 2025 model—at least on the surface—but it seems the V8 situation has complicated matters somewhat. While there are many 2025 GM trucks and SUVs available in current dealer inventories, the presence of 6.2-liter models is quite limited, only slightly surpassing the number of trucks available with diesel engines. This indicates that GM is still working through a backlog of customer replacement engines alongside those being produced for new inventory.

      Indeed, we were informed by Chey Eisenman of Chey Car that this may be the case. Chey shared her experience earlier this year regarding her 2023 Escalade that suffered from a blown 6.2-liter V8, and while we are pleased to report that she has finally obtained a replacement engine, the 2025 Escalade she ordered last November is still missing (it was expected to be delivered in March).

      N252494001-Bulletin If you have any tips or inquiries about GM’s L87 issues, please send them here: [email protected]